BEYONDBEYOND HOTHAMHOTHAM MTHOTHAM.COM.AU MTHOTHAM.COM.AU THE ADVENTURE BEGINS EXPLORE BEYOND HOTHAM THIS GREEN SEASON

TOURING IN ’S HIGH COUNTRY 02 TREK 4 - BLUE RAG RANGE : BLUE RAG RANGE WHAT YOU DON’T NEED 02 TRIG, RED CARRIAGE, WHITE TIMBER SPUR, WHAT YOU NEED 02 DEVILS HOLLOW 28 FUEL REQUIREMENTS 03 ROAD CONDITIONS 28 TEMPERATURE AND WEATHER TRACK HISTORY 29 ESTIMATES 04 TREK NOTES 30 TREK MAP 31 TRIP DETAILS 06 ROAD CONDITIONS 08 TREK 5 : WHITE TIMBER SPUR, RED CARRIAGE,

TREK NOTES 10 BASALT KNOB, TALBOTVILLE, GRANT, DARGO 32 DRIVING TIPS 11 ROAD CONDITIONS 32 WATER CROSSINGS 12 TRACK HISTORY 33 TYRE PRESSURES 13 TREK NOTES 34 VEHICLE SUPPORT NETWORK 13 TREK MAP 35

FACILITIES 14 TREK 6 - RUN : GRANT, TOILETS 14 STONEWALL, HOGTOWN, TALBOTVILLE, CROOKED PICNIC AREAS 14 RIVER, BLACK SNAKE CREEK HUT, DARGO 36 RUBBISH 14 ROAD CONDITIONS 36 SHOPS 15 TRACK HISTORY 37 WASHING 15 TREK NOTES 38 TREK MAP 39 TREK 1 - THE PLAINS TO THE FALLS : PRECIPICE PLAIN, VICTORIA RIVER, VICTORIA FALLS 16 TREK 7 : MT MURRAY 40 ROAD CONDITIONS 16 ROAD CONDITIONS 40 TRACK HISTORY 17 TRACK HISTORY 40 TREK NOTES 18 TREK NOTES 41 TREK MAP 19 TREK MAP 41

TREK 2 : PRECIPICE PLAIN, DOGS GRAVE, DIGITAL TOUR GUIDE 42 ORIENTAL CLAIMS, (OPT: KING CASSILIS MINE, VICTORIA FALLS 20 THE GENERAL MT HOTHAM 44 ROAD CONDITIONS 20 TRACK HISTORY 21 ACCOMMODATION - HOTHAM & DP 46 TREK NOTES 22 TREK MAP 23 SUMMER BUSHWALKING 48 INDEX TREK 3 - GRANT HISTORIC AREA : DARGO HIGH SUMMER ACTIVITIES - HOTHAM & DP 50 PLAINS, GRANT, TALBOTVILLE, DARGO 24 ROAD CONDITIONS 24 USEFUL CONTACTS 52 TRACK HISTORY 25 TREK NOTES 26 HEMA REGION MAP FLIP OUT BACK COVER TREK MAP 27

BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE / 1 THIS BOOK IS INTENDED AS A GUIDE ONLY. PLEASE ALWAYS BE ALERT AND AWARE AND SEEK INFORMATION FROM AUTHORITIES AND LOCALS IF UNSURE AS CONDITIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. 4WD COMES WITH AN INHERENT RISK AT THE INDIVIDUAL’S RESPONSIBILITY NOT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE AUTHOR. PLEASE ALWAYS DRIVE WITHIN YOUR LIMITS. MHRMB ACCEPTS NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY LOSS, INJURY OR INCONVENIENCE. HOTHAM’S

INTRODUCTION HIGH COUNTRY TREKS TOURING IN VICTORIA’S HIGH COUNTRY

Congratulations on choosing to travel around • Plastic bags for rubbish – you are ’s iconic Victorian High Country, we want responsible for the collection and correct your adventure in our backyard to be enjoyable. disposal of your own rubbish This booklet provides you with key information on • Suitable clothing – we suggest at least points of interest and how to get there and back, we warm weatherproof jacket, long trousers, want to ensure your experience is safe. closed-in sturdy footwear, gloves, hat and Please take a moment to read this as it could save sunscreen for all people in your vehicle you time, money and a lot of anxiety, we want to • Camera – make sure your batteries are make your experience memorable. charged and you have plenty of room for photos WHAT YOU DON’T NEED • Air compressor – varying road conditions As you are going to be travelling through the Alpine and terrain may require tyre pressure to National Park, it is a condition of entry that you do be adjusted. NOT carry: • First Aid Kit • Firearms, • Extra water to extinguish camp fire • Chainsaws, or • Sense of Adventure – take the time to • Animals. wonder at what it would have been like in earlier years to travel this terrain without WHAT YOU NEED the comfort of your horseless carriage! • Capable vehicle such as an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) or Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) vehicle with low range – check each trip to see if your vehicle is suitable • Map of the area, do not rely on your in-car navigation system – we suggest the Hema High Country Victoria Map • Fuel for your vehicle (at least half a full tank) – see next page for Fuel Requirements • Food and drinks for the day – make sure you carry a bit extra just in case; especially water and energy food

2 / BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE IMPORTANT NOTE FOR DIESEL VEHICLES: IF YOU ARE DRIVING A DIESEL VEHICLE TO ALPINE AREAS DURING COLD WEATHER WE RECOMMEND AN ALPINE DIESEL FUEL ADDITIVE, AVAILABLE FROM GARAGES. IN VERY COLD TEMPERATURES NORMAL DIESEL WAXES UP AND WON’T MOVE THROUGH THE FUEL SYSTEM. PLEASE ENSURE YOU CHECK YOUR OWNER/OPERATOR’S MANUAL FOR INSTRUCTIONS ON ALPINE DIESEL AND DRIVING IN ALPINE OR COLD AREAS.

NEAREST FUEL STOPS

OMEO (54 km) Diesel, LPG, Unleaded and Premium Unleaded

BRIGHT (56 km) Diesel, LPG, Unleaded and Premium Unleaded

DARGO (80 km) Diesel, Unleaded and Premium Unleaded FUEL REQUIREMENTS

FUEL REQUIREMENTS As each vehicle is different we cannot tell you how much fuel your vehicle will use. However, be aware that travelling on unsealed dirt roads and narrow tracks can use more fuel, maybe as much 30% more fuel. We recommend you have at least half a full tank of fuel before heading off on any one of the trips outlined in this booklet. Fuel costs vary significantly in this area due to transport costs. We suggest you fill up at every available opportunity, even if you only add a quarter a tank of fuel. This preventative measure will assist with having enough fuel to complete your journey. Most major credit cards are accepted at locations throughout the Victorian High Country, however EFTPOS should NOT be relied upon. It is a good idea to always have cash handy just in case.

BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE / 3 TEMPERATURE AND WEATHER ESTIMATES WEATHER

TEMPERATURE AND WEATHER ESTIMATES The weather in the Victorian High Country is unpredictable and can change very quickly without warning. You should always be prepared for the unexpected. As a guide here are ’s historical monthly temperature ranges and rainfall numbers:

4 / BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE MONTHLY MAXIMUM/MINIMUM TEMPERATURES (°C)

MONTHLY AVERAGE RAINFALL (MM)

Data for these charts was extracted from Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology website Climate Data Online for the Mount Hotham Climatological Station viewed on 28 June 2015.

SNOW CAN OFTEN FALL OUT OF THE WINTER SEASON AND IT IS NOT UNCOMMON TO HAVE SNOWFALLS DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS. PLEASE TAKE THIS INTO CONSIDERATION WHEN PACKING CLOTHES AND EQUIPMENT. WEATHER

BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE / 5 TRIP DETAILS

VEHICLES MINIMUM TYPE OF VEHICLE RECOMMENDED FOR THE TRIPS

VEHICLE Based on the grade of the trip, ground clearance and track steepness, All Wheel Drives are minimum type of vehicle recommended for the trip. However it does not provide for the skill level of the driver, if you are at all unsure, and then please discuss your adventure with us before heading off. As a guide, this is how we classify the difference between the two types of vehicles: All Wheel Drive A vehicle with reasonable ground clearance (more than that of a standard two-wheel drive sedan) and the ability for engine torque/power to be shared by the front and back axles. Four-Wheel Drive A vehicle with very good ground clearance, ability to manually/automatically lock the front and rear axles together.

6 / BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE HOTHAM’S HIGH COUNTRY TRIP DETAILS EACH TRIP PROVIDES YOU WITH SOME KEY DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR ADVENTURE

These trips have been put together with all possible care with times calculated for an average driver of average dirt road experience travelling at a safe speed for the road conditions in fair weather. TOTAL DISTANCE GRADE This is the total distance for each Each trip is graded in fair weather adventure excluding any optional conditions using three descriptions: extras. Use this distance to help • Easy – contains sealed and determine if you have enough fuel unsealed roads for the journey. • Medium – contains sealed, Check your trip meter. The unsealed and formed dirt distances given in this booklet roads do not account for variations • Difficult – contains sealed, in individual vehicle odometer unsealed, formed dirt roads readings. These variations could and narrow tracks be as much as 10%, so please take this into consideration when Read the section on Road calculating your distances. We Conditions below for more suggest resetting your vehicle’s trip information about what to expect meter at each location to keep this on each of these road types. difference to a minimum. In adverse weather conditions, consider each trip to be at least the TRAVEL TIME next level of difficulty. This is the on road driving time in fair weather conditions, it does not NOTE – ALWAYS check with local authorities before heading off on your adventure to be include the time you may take to safe. look around and enjoy the view or take in the atmosphere – that is up FUEL to you! For each journey you will be travelling towards a town with a OPTIONAL EXTRAS service station or general store Most of the adventures that have fuel available. Not all contain some options for your fuel types are available in these consideration. To assist you with locations, so this will provide you TRIP DETAILS making the decision on whether with the location and a guide to to take the option or not, we have the types of fuel available. included distances and travel times. These distances and times are either: • Return – to and from that particular point in your journey • One Way – from that particular point in your journey to the optional destination.

BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE / 7 ROAD CONDITIONS ROAD CONDITIONS ROAD

SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURES All trips outlined in this booklet have sections that are subject to seasonal road closures. These closures occur each year typically between June and November. NOTE – ALWAYS check with local authorities before heading off on your adventure to be safe.

8 / BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE You adventure will have you travelling on a variety of road surfaces that may vary between:

SEALED ROADS Sealed roads with line marking, some overtaking lanes and opportunities

UNSEALED ROADS Unsealed roads are typically well maintained with reasonable overtaking/passing opportunities. They may contain sections of corrugations and/or potholes.

FORMED DIRT ROADS Formed dirt roads typically have minimal overtaking/ passing opportunities. They usually have sections of corrugations, uneven ground, waterways of varying depths, wash outs and potholes.

NARROW TRACKS Narrow tracks will have no facility for overtaking/ passing (so take care when moving to the side of the track). They contain ruts, water drainage mounds, uneven terrain, steep drop-offs, water crossings of varying depths, blind crests, sharp turns, switchbacks, steep ascents and steep descents. ROAD CONDITIONS

BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE / 9 DRIVING TIPS DRIVING

TREK NOTES EACH TRIP STARTS AND FINISHES AT THE MOUNT HOTHAM RESORT MANAGEMENT OFFICE, CORRAL CAR PARK

The Trek Notes provide you with: Distances the distance between each point of interest or road junction and the one before it.

Directions which way to turn or what to do, such as take in the view and take a photo or two!

Facilities such as toilets, fuel, food, shops, picnic tables and fire pits.

Optional extras these are choices for you; which may include additional views, points of interest or nearest town.

10 / BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE DRIVING TIPS

FOUR WHEEL DRIVING TIPS IF IN DOUBT ....THEN DON’T

• Make sure you take regular • Make use of your vehicle’s stops during the day – use park-brake whenever you stop points of interest for your and to assist with starting on morning, lunch or afternoon slopes breaks • Observe all road rules and • Always keep the vehicle on signs the track, avoid driving over vegetated areas • Travel outside the dust cloud of any vehicle in front of you • Always drive according to the road and weather conditions • When reversing, make sure you check behind your vehicle • Drive within your limits and or get someone outside the that of your vehicle – if you vehicle to help guide you are in doubt then don’t, turn back or look for a safer If in doubt … then don’t! alternative

• Always expect another vehicle to be coming towards you when approaching a bend in the road

IF YOU ARE UNSURE AT ANY STAGE DRIVING TIPS OF YOUR ADVENTURE, THEN DON’T RISK THE SAFETY OF YOURSELF, YOUR PASSENGERS, YOUR VEHICLE OR THE ENVIRONMENT. IT IS BETTER TO TURN AROUND AND COME BACK AGAIN ANOTHER DAY. DON’T RISK THE ALTERNATIVE!

BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE / 11 WATER CROSSINGS WATER

WATER CROSSINGS SOME OF OUR ADVENTURES TAKE YOU ACROSS CREEKS AND RIVERS OF VARYING DEPTHS

CAUTION Always Check water crossings for depth, flow and obstacles before proceeding. if you are unsure, then turn around.

Before crossing water After crossing water Weather will dramatically change Make sure you allow time for the Allow the water to drain from the dirt/gravel road/track conditions, vehicle to cool – this reduces the underside of your vehicle and check so you will need to adjust your risk of damage to your vehicle. the operation of your foot brake as your move off. driving to suit the prevailing When travelling through water conditions. Keep an even slow pace, do not create a big breaking wave in front CAUTION of the vehicle. Always Check with local authorities CAUTION before you head off on your Anything deeper adventure. Than the centre of your vehicle’s wheels should not be crossed by inexperienced drivers.

12 / BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE TYRE PRESSURES INCORRECT TYRE PRESSURES ARE THE GREATEST SOURCE OF TYRE FAILURE WHEN TRAVELLING ON GRAVEL ROADS, WE SUGGEST THE FOLLOWING TYRE PRESSURE:

CAUTION Always Reduce speed your speed when travelling on reduced tyre pressure.

BITUMEN = MANUFACTURER’S GRAVEL = 22 TO 30 PSI Even a small reduction of 10% in SPECIFICATION Reducing your tyre pressure will your highway tyre pressures can make a significant difference, Refer to your vehicle’s tyre placard allow the tyres to distort slightly over rocks and soften the ride for the better, to your vehicle’s (typically around the driver’s door) ride and handling characteristics or your vehicle’s handbook Do not reduce your tyre pressures on unsealed roads. You can still too far if you do have the ability to travel on sealed roads with this Remember any extra load inside re-inflate them or outside will change the handling slight reduction in tyre pressure, characteristics of your vehicle. with care!

VEHICLE SUPPORT NETWORK

You will be travelling on public access gazetted roads, so your roadside assistance service provider should be able to provide you with any support. If you are unsure, give them a call and check before you set off.

If you are using a hire vehicle, then check the fine print to make sure you are not going to void any part of your hire agreement. VEHICLE SUPPORT

BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE / 13 TOILETS

Toilets encountered in the area range from normal flushing toilets through to enviro-cycle and pit toilets. Most of them are located at or near various points of interest along the way. It is a good idea to have your own roll of toilet paper available just in case local supplies have been used up. FACILITIES PICNIC AREAS THERE MANY PICNIC STOPS AVAILABLE ALONG THE WAY, SOME ARE TUCKED AWAY WITH GREAT VIEWS

CAUTION You are responsible For making yourself aware of any fire restrictions in place before you start your adventure. It is illegal to light a fire during periods of Total Fire Ban.

Most of these areas have picnic Make sure you check the rules tables with bench seats as well as for firewood collection with local formed fire pits. Some of the fire authorities. pits are setup with hotplates and cooking hooks. Once you have finished with your Don’t rely on cooking facilities fire, please make sure it is fully being available everywhere you go. extinguished before you leave the area (douse it with water). Fires Throughout Victoria there are restrictions associated with barbeques and open fires. These RUBBISH restrictions are in force to reduce the risk of bushfires that could We ask that you respect the cause irreparable damage to flora fragile environment your and fauna as well as possible loss of adventures take you through, so life and property. please ensure anything you take If you are going to have a fire, in … you take out. please keep it as small as possible, Most picnic areas you will just big enough to do your encounter do not have rubbish cooking. Make sure you only use bins so local wildlife is not the designated fire pits for this purpose. tempted to investigate, causing possible harm to themselves. In most cases firewood is not Please dispose of your rubbish supplied, you will have to gather it when you get to an area with from designated collection areas. proper rubbish disposal facilities.

14 / BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE SHOPS

There are a variety of shops you will encounter on your travels, take the time to explore any town you venture into, talk to the locals, take in the history and atmosphere. Even the local pubs are worth the visit. Food shops will range from basically stocked general stores through to mini supermarkets. Please take the opportunity to support these communities. WASHING

NEVER wash yourself or cooking/eating gear in natural or man-made waterways – this will pollute them making them damaging to flora and fauna as well as humans that rely on them. Where water is in short supply, store your dirty gear and wash them when water is available. Always do your washing at least 50 m away from any waterway.

WHEN LEAVING YOUR CAMPSITE, WHETHER FOR THE DAY OR TO MOVE ON TO YOUR NEXT DESTINATION, PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR CAMP FIRE IS COMPLETELY EXTINGUISHED FACILITIES

BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE / 15 TREK 1 THE PLAINS TO THE FALLS

TREK 1 PRECIPICE PLAIN, VICTORIA RIVER, VICTORIA FALLS

84km 3.0hrs EASY ALL OMEO Optional Extras Optional Extras In dry weather. WHEEL Diesel, LPG, (return) (return) Unleaded +44km for Omeo. +40 minutes for DRIVE and Premium Omeo. Unleaded

ROAD CONDITIONS

Dinner Plain Track Victoria Falls Track Narrow track with minimal facility Formed dirt road with reasonable for overtaking/passing, containing overtaking/passing opportunities, ruts, water drainage mounds, containing sections of corrugations, uneven terrain, sharp turns, short steep drop-offs, uneven terrain and steep descents and ascents. potholes. Victoria River Track Narrow track with no facility for overtaking/passing, containing ruts, water drainage mounds, uneven terrain, sharp turns, short steep ascents and descents.

NOTE – VICTORIA FALLS TRACK IS A DRY WEATHER ONLY ROAD AND SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN ON BY ANY VEHICLE DURING OR DIRECTLY AFTER WET WEATHER.

16 / BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE TRACK HISTORY

The Plains to the Falls From humble high plains grazing to ambitious technological advances brought about by the era in one of the State’s first hydro-electric power schemes, this easy trek offers a historical insight into the spectacular Victorian mountain ranges. Skirt the basalt rim of the high plains, drive through Snow Gum woodlands and view the magnificent waterfalls, this trek takes in the vastness of the alpine country. Highlighting the diversity of European pioneers use of the Alps, this trek is a great introduction to what was once a remote corner of the State. TREK 1

BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE / 17 TREK 1 THE PLAINS TO THE FALLS

TREK 1 TRACK NOTES START 8.2 KM 300 M The General Store Mt Hotham Hydroelectric Station Dam Intersection Head South on the Great Alpine This is the end of the road, you can Road heading towards Dinner Plain Turn right onto the Great Alpine drive around the dam and explore and Omeo. Road. the area. When you are ready, (Toilets inside the 24H Transit Lounge - Mt return to the Great Alpine Road. Hotham Resort Management Office) 3.6 KM (Toilets available at the Victoria River picnic Victoria Falls Track on Left area) 9.8 KM Turn left onto Victoria Falls Track. JB Plain Hut on Right CAUTION – Track is difficult to see, 1.0 KM it is on a right hand bend in the Victoria Falls Viewing Area Stay on Great Alpine Road. road, if you miss the turn, continue A clearing in the trees allows a down the road and come back. great view back to the falls. Park 1.3 KM with care. Dinner Plain Track on Right 800 M CAUTION – Edge of track in Victoria Falls Picnic Area Turn right onto Dinner Plain Track, unfenced and steep. just before Dinner Plain Hut (on There are two picnic areas either (Photo opportunity) left). Engage your vehicle’s 4wd side of the road right beside the system if available. Victoria River. Above the day picnic 300 M Hydroelectric Station Dam CAUTION – Track is difficult to see, areas are toilets and bush camping if you miss the turn, continue to areas with more fire pits. This is the end of the road, you can Dinner Plain turn-off and (Picnic area with table, fire pit and toilets) drive around the dam and explore come back. the area. When you are ready, 3.9 KM return to the Great Alpine Road. (Toilets available at Dinner Plain) Cattle Grid on track (Toilets available at the Victoria River picnic 4.6 KM Stay on Victoria Fall Track. area) Precipice Plain Lookout on Right 300 M 6.4 KM Park in the marked area and walk Victoria Falls Lookout Parking Great Alpine Road Intersection Area 100 m over flat ground to the edge Turn right onto Great Alpine Road of a cliff with great views west There is a short (50 m) marked to return to Mt Hotham. towards Mt Tabletop and Mt walking track, over uneven ground, OPTIONAL – If you want to visit Blue Rag. down to a fenced viewing area Omeo (22 km away), then turn left. CAUTION – Stay back from the looking down onto Victoria Falls. (Fuel, food, shops and toilets available in cliff edge, as the ground can be CAUTION – Walking track is steep Omeo) unstable. Keep a close eye on with loose ground. any children. (Photo opportunity) 22.6 KM (Photo opportunity) Dinner Plain on Left 1.0 KM Stay on Great Alpine Road. Victoria Falls Viewing Area 7.0 KM (Toilets available at Dinner Plain) A clearing in the trees allows a Victoria River Track on Left great view back to the falls. Park 11.5 KM Turn left onto Victoria River Track. with care. The General Store Mt Hotham CAUTION – Edge of track in This is the end of this journey! 2.4 KM unfenced and steep. Black Sallee Lake on Right (Photo opportunity) Turn right into Black Sallee Lake (120 m). FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT When ready, return to Victoria River BEYONDHOTHAM.COM.AU Track and turn right. FACEBOOK.COM/BEYONDHOTHAM4WD (Picnic area with table and fire pit)

18 / BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE PRECIPICE PLAIN/VICTORIA FALLS LOOP

MT HOTHAM

HISTORICAL HISTORICAL HUT MINING SITE WIRE PLAIN HUT CAMPING TOWNSHIP GROUND RUINS

FUEL GREAT FOR

LEGEND PHOTOS 11km

DINNER PLAIN HUT JB HUT DINNER PLAIN

PRECIPICE PLAIN LOOKOUT

DINNER PLAIN TRACK 12km

23km

VICTORIA RIVER TRACK

OMEO 10km

A town built on gold, Omeo was the principal town servicing all the mountain goldfields in this division of . GREAT ALPINE ROAD Many rich alluvial and reef gold mines were worked in and immediately adjacent to the 4km town from the early 1850s. The legacy of the golden era is clearly visible today in the streetscape and surrounding countryside. TREK 1 Numerous interesting walks are readily 6km accessed from the town highlighting its remarkable heritage. OMEO VICTORIA (22KM) FALLS

BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE / 19 TREK 2 PRECIPICE PLAIN,

TREK 2 TREK DOGS GRAVE, ORIENTAL CLAIMS, OMEO OPT: KING CASSILIS MINE, VICTORIA FALLS

139km 4.3hrs EASY ALL OMEO Optional extras Optional extras In dry weather. WHEEL Diesel, LPG, (return): (return): Unleaded + 26 km for King + 45 minutes for DRIVE and Premium Cassilis Mine King Cassilis Mine Unleaded + 13 km for + 45 minutes for Victoria Falls Victoria Falls

ROAD CONDITIONS

Dinner Plain Track Victoria Falls Track Narrow track with minimal facility Formed dirt road with reasonable for overtaking/passing, containing overtaking/passing opportunities, ruts, water drainage mounds, containing sections of corrugations, uneven terrain, sharp turns, short steep drop-offs, uneven terrain and steep descents and ascents. potholes. Birregun and Upper Livingston Roads Unsealed road, typically well maintained with overtaking/ passing opportunities, containing sections of corrugations and/or potholes.

NOTE –VICTORIA FALLS TRACK IS A DRY WEATHER ONLY ROAD AND SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN ON BY ANY VEHICLE DURING OR DIRECTLY AFTER WET WEATHER.

20 / BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE TRACK HISTORY Precipice Plain, Dogs Grave, Oriental Claims, Omeo From tributes to the working bush dogs of the cattle grazers to the digging habits of gold miners, this well- paced trek give you the option to delve a bit deeper into the history of the region, without having to take to extremes of 4WDriving. The monument to ‘Boney’ the drovers dog will reveal some of the hardships for man and beast in the remote corners. A detour through the pretty Cassilis Valley will take you to the sites of ore treatment plants where quartz reef miners went to extremes to extract gold from complex ores. Back on the Great Alpine Road on the way into Omeo, take time to walk amongst the towering cliffs of the Oriental Claims, where the hydraulic cannon of the alluvial miners blasted away millions of cubic metres of hillside between 1876 and 1904. Take time at Omeo to wander the heritage landscape and absorb the atmosphere of a mountain township built on gold. TREK 2

BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE / 21 TREK 2 PRECIPICE PLAIN,

TREK 2 TREK DOGS GRAVE, ORIENTAL CLAIMS, OMEO TRACK NOTES START 2.4 KM to the Picnic Area and suspension The General Store Dinner Plain Track Junction footbridge. The track to the left is Head South on the Great Alpine Turn left onto Dinner Plain Track. a short 400 m drive to a lookout Road heading towards Dinner Plain platform (worth the visit). When and Omeo. 19.2 KM you’re ready return to the Great (Toilets inside the 24H Transit Lounge - Mt Birregun Road Intersection Alpine Road and turn left. Hotham Resort Management Office) Turn right onto Birrigun Road. (Picnic area with fire pit and toilets)

2.6 KM 2.0 KM 9.8 KM Dogs Grave Track on Left Omeo Township JB Plain Hut on Right Turn left into Dogs Grave, Explore the historic Omeo Stay on Great Alpine Road. township. When you are ready 350 M return to the Great Alpine Road and 1.3 KM Dogs Grave Picnic Area turn towards Mt Hotham. Dinner Plain Track on Right Take time to explore the area and (Fuel, food, shops and toilets) Turn right onto Dinner Plain Track, pay tribute to a little mate. When just before Dinner Plain Hut you are ready return to Birrigun 7.8 KM Kosciusko Lookout on Right (on Left). Road. (Picnic area with, tables, fire pits and toilets) Turn right into Kosciusko Lookout. CAUTION Track is difficult to see, When you’re ready return to the if you miss the turn, continue to 350 M Great Alpine Road and turn right Dinner Plain turn-off and come Birrigun Road Junction towards Mt Hotham. back. Turn right onto Birrigun Road. (Picnic area and photo opportunity) NOTE – Engage your vehicle’s 4wd system if available. 18.1 KM 12.5 KM (Toilets available at Dinner Plain) Upper Livingston Road Victoria Falls Track on Right Intersection OPTION – Turn right onto Victoria 4.6 KM Turn left onto Upper Livingston Falls Track. Precipice Plain Lookout on Right Road. CAUTION – Track is difficult to see, Park in the marked area and walk it is drops off the side of the road 100 m over flat ground to the edge 6.3 KM on a left hand bend, if you miss of a cliff with great views west Cassilis Road Intersection the turn, continue up the road and towards Mt Tabletop and Mt Blue Turn left onto Cassilis Road. come back. Rag. OPTION – If you turn right onto (Refer to Precipice Plain Trip for Trek Notes) CAUTION – Stay back from the Cassilis Road, then travel 12.7 km, (Toilets through camping area 800 m from cliff edge, as the ground can be you can explore the King Cassilis Great Alpine Road) unstable. Keep a close eye on any Mine ruins (return to Upper Livingston Road 22.6 KM children. intersection when you’re ready). Dinner Plain on Left (Photo opportunity) Stay on Great Alpine Road. 7.3 KM (Toilets available at Dinner Plain) Great Alpine Road Intersection 7.0 KM Victoria River Track on Left Turn right onto Great Alpine Road. 11.5 KM Turn left onto Victoria River Track. The General Store Mt Hotham 250 M 2.4 KM Oriental Claims Historic Area This is the end of this journey! Black Sallee Lake on Right Turn left into Oriental Claims Turn right to Black Sallee Historic Area, keep right on the dirt Picnic area. and travelling 650 m will take you When you are ready return to

22 / BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE DOGS GRAVE/ORIENTAL CLAIMS, OMEO

MT HOTHAM LEGEND HISTORICAL HISTORICAL WIRE PLAIN HUT MINING SITE HUT DOGS GRAVE CAMPING TOWNSHIP GROUND RUINS A monument to the cattle FUEL GREAT FOR grazers’ humble companion 11km PHOTOS and assistant, the cattle dog. A small granite cairn erected DINNER PLAIN HUT to the memory of Boney the KING CASSILLIS MINE cattle dog of stockman Peter JB HUT DINNER Meehan. The storey goes PLAIN Gold-bearing quartz reefs were first opened that Meehan was camped in the Cassilis area in the late 1860s, the night at the hut when however recovery of gold from complex Boney took a bait laced with PRECIPICE PLAIN ores saw most of the mines abandoned LOOKOUT strychnine. Distressed by his by the 1870s. The King Cassilis or Mt loss the stockman buried his 12km Hepburn mine were taken over by an companion near the hut and English company in 1896 and a 20-head erected a picket fence around battery was erected to crush the quartz. the grave. A similar version is 23km A large cyaniding plant was also erected that the dog was Angus, owned to recover gold from the complex ores. by drover Johnny Crisp. Angus Despite its investment the company failed also took a bait set for dingoes loosing over £180,000 in just a few years. and was also buried near the A later attempt saw a large ore-roasting hut by his owner. furnace erected, treating 2,500 tons of concentrates for a return of 5,000 ounces of gold. Today machinery and ruins from DINNER PLAIN TRACK numerous stages of mining lay scattered 19km through the bush in the area.

6km

VICTORIA FALLS 3km 13km

KOSCIUSKO LOOKOUT AREA DOGS ORIENTAL CLAIMS GRAVE HISTORIC AREA 16km 8km OMEO 2km 6km 7km KINGS CASSILLIS MINE (12KM) TREK 2 OMEO A town built on gold, Omeo was the principal town servicing all the mountain goldfields in this division of Gippsland. Many rich alluvial and reef gold mines were worked in and immediately adjacent to the town from the early 1850s. The legacy of the golden era is clearly visible today in the streetscape and surrounding countryside. Numerous interesting walks are readily accessed from the town highlighting its remarkable heritage.

BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE / 23 TREK 3 GRANT HISTORIC AREA

TREK 3 TREK DARGO HIGH PLAINS, GRANT, TALBOTVILLE, DARGO

EASY ALL DARGO 196km 4.7hrs In dry weather. WHEEL Diesel, Unleaded and Premium DRIVE Unleaded

ROAD CONDITIONS Dargo High Plains Road McMillan Road Unsealed road, typically well Formed dirt road with reasonable maintained with overtaking/ overtaking/passing opportunities, passing opportunities, containing containing sections of corrugations, rough sections of corrugations uneven terrain, wash outs and and/or potholes. potholes. King Spur Track Narrow track with no facility for overtaking/passing, containing ruts, water drainage mounds, uneven terrain and sharp turns.

TRADITIONAL DAMPER METHOD RECIPE 1. Mix the flour, salt and sugar together in a bowl. INGREDIENTS 2. Rub the butter into the flour with your fingertips until it looks like fine breadcrumbs. 450 grams flour, self-raising 3. Add milk slowly and mix to form a soft dough. ¼ teaspoon salt 4. Knead lightly on a floured board until smooth. 180 ml milk (if too dry, add more) Shape into a round loaf, brush with milk and cut 1 teaspoon sugar, caster a cross in the top surface of the dough. 80 grams butter, chilled 5. Grease tin foil and dust with flour. Add bread (extra flour, if needed) dough and wrap it. 6. Place in the coals of the BBQ and let it bake for INGREDIENT VARIATIONS about 30 minutes. You can add a variety of ingredients for a To test if it’s cooked, tap on the loaf and it different flavour. Add coconut, cinnamon, should sound hollow. sultanas and extra sugar to make the Cut into slices and serve while still warm. Top with damper sweeter. butter, golden syrup or your favourite jam.

24 / BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE TRACK HISTORY

Grant Historic Area Follow the pathways blazed by the miners and explorers who opened up this country in the rush for gold and see the magnificent wilderness as it was viewed by these first prospectors in the early 1860s. Visit the ruins of this almost forgotten gold era, now being reclaimed by the very wilderness which was once peeled back by the early miners. From dirt roads to bitumen, this well-paced trek takes in the haunts of the early miners. With historic sites that once boomed from the late 1800s, including, wayside stops, hotel sites, ghost towns, cemeteries, machinery sites and old gold mines. After absorbing the ruins of the past catch your breath in the quaint mountain township of Dargo. TREK 3

Dargo Hotel. Photo : Destination Gippsland

BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE / 25 TREK 3 GRANT HISTORIC AREA

TREK 3 TREK TRACK NOTES

START 250 M 15.6 KM The General Store Little Woman’s Grave on Left Dargo High Plains Road Head North on the Great Alpine Parking on left, explore the area. Intersection Road heading towards Harrietville Ritchie Road on right. Turn right onto Dargo High Plains and Bright. Stay on Dargo High Plains Road. Road. There are numerous lookouts along the way. 11 KM 16.7 KM (Toilets inside the 24H Transit Lounge - Mt Twelve Mile Creek Campsite on Dargo Township Left Hotham Resort Management Office) Explore the area. When you are Picnic area on left. ready return to Dargo High Plains (Picnic area with fire pit) Road and travel towards Mt Hotham. 9.7 KM 5.8 KM (Fuel, food, shop and toilets) Dargo High Plains Road on Left Clark Camp Road on Left Turn left onto Dargo High Plains Treasures Mt Ewen Hut down on 69.7 KM Road. right, cattle holding yards on left. Great Alpine Road Intersection Turn right to return to Mt Hotham. OPTION – Turn left to Harrietville 17.5 KM 8.4 KM King Spur Track on Left McMillan Road on Right (19 km) and Bright (45 km) Turn left onto King Spur Track, Turn right onto McMillan Road. keep left through clearing and 9.7 KM travel 200 m to Lankey Plain Hut. 3.9 KM The General Store Mt Hotham Grant Cemetery on Right When you are ready return to the This is the end of this journey! clearing and turn left onto King Park where safe and explore the Spur Track. historic cemetery. When you are ready, continue on McMillan Road. 2.4 KM Clearing on Left (Devils Hollow) 1.4 KM Grant Track on Right Park in a safe place and walk over flat ground to the edge of a cliff Turn right onto Grant Track. with great views north towards Mt 400 M Hotham. Grant Historical Area CAUTION Stay back from the Information cliff edge, as the ground can be Explore the area. unstable. Keep a close eye on any When you are ready, return to children. McMillan Road and turn right. (Photo opportunity) When you are ready return to the 9.8 KM Dargo High Plains Road and turn Talbotville Camping Area left. Explore the area. (Picnic area with toilets, picnic tables and 10.1 KM fire pits) Gows Hotel Site (ruins) on Left When you are ready, return Parking on the left, explore the to McMillan Road and follow area. back to Dargo High Plains Road intersection.

26 / BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE GRANT HISTORIC AREA

Mt Hotham LEGEND (1861m) HISTORICAL HISTORICAL HUT MINING SITE DIAMANTINA HUT MT HOTHAM CAMPING TOWNSHIP TO BRIGHT 10km GROUND RUINS FUEL GREAT FOR DARGO HIGH PLAIN RD BLOWHARD PHOTOS SAINT BERNARD’S HUT HOSPICE HUT SITE

18km

LANKEY PLAIN Situated sat the junction of the Kings Spur Track and the Dargo High Plains Road this 2km DEVILS HOLLOW locality was once a busy intersection for mining traffic. Cattle grazing followed DEVILS HOLLOW closely behind the paths blazed by the Perched on the edge of the basalt miners in this part of the mountains, with 36km cap of the Dargo High Plains, the Gow and Treasure family having grazing the view over the Upper Dargo interests on these plains for many years. River towards Mount Tabletop Lankey Plain hut is a link to grazing activity are full of a hidden history. in the area. The corrugated iron shack was Echoing up from the wilderness erected in the early 1950s. ‘GOWS HOTEL SITE’ below are the stories of the LITTLE WOMAN’S GRAVE mountain goldminers who worked

SAM JAMIESON these remote regions for many SPUR TRACK decades from the 1860s. Tales GRANT from Mount Tabletop of lost NOONANS ancient streams of gold trapped Within a few months the TRACK

township of Grant emerged DARGO HIGH PLAIN RD beneath the basalt plains, of as the principal mining centre murder of Chinese miner Ah Kee for the region, situated on a by his partner Carl Wilhelm at broad open hilltop overlooking the township of Louisville. In the Crooked River goldfield. TREASURES- Devils Hollow, the government MT EWEN HUT Stores, hotels, a police station, DOWNEY RD established a quartz crushing mill in 1900 to test a number of reefs churches, banks, dwellings and MCMILLANS RD even a local newspaper flanked which had been discovered in the two broad main streets. With locality. over speculation and poor returns from the majority the 6km DARGO HIGH PLAIN RD new found mines, the population UPPER DARGO RD of Grant plummeted from over GRADY’S CREEK RD FARM TREK 3 1000 in the early 1860s to barely JUCTION 100 by the close of the decade. By the early 1900s the town 17km was deserted, with once grand buildings and stores laying in decay. DARGO

BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE / 27 TREK 4 BLUE RAG RANGE

TREK 4 BLUE RAG RANGE TRIG, RED CARRIAGE, WHITE TIMBER SPUR, DEVILS HOLLOW

MEDIUM 4WD DARGO 196km 4.7hrs In dry weather. Diesel, Unleaded and Premium Unleaded

ROAD CONDITIONS

Dargo High Plains Road Unsealed Ritchie Road Formed dirt road road, typically well maintained with with minimal overtaking/passing overtaking/passing opportunities, opportunities, containing sections of containing rough sections of corrugations, uneven terrain, sharp corrugations and/or potholes. turns, switchbacks, wash outs and potholes. Blue Rag Range Track Narrow track with no facility for overtaking/ King Spur Track Narrow track with passing, containing ruts, water no facility for overtaking/passing, drainage mounds, steep drop-offs, containing ruts, water drainage uneven terrain, switchbacks, blind mounds, uneven terrain and sharp crests, steep ascents and steep turns. descents.

Basalt Knob North Track Narrow track with no facility for overtaking/ passing, containing ruts, water drainage mounds, uneven terrain, water switchbacks, steep ascents and steep descents.

28 / BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE 29

TREK 4 / BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE

now rarely sees a surveyor, and is instead visited by the keen 4WD adventurer who wants to experience wants to experience 4WD adventurer who visited by the keen a surveyor, and is instead now rarely sees the High Country and across to spirit. The views into the wilderness of across some of that early pioneering are a photographers dream. the 4WDriving treks. A once valuable trig point used by the early surveyors in what was challenging and challenging and surveyors in what was point used by the early A once valuable trig 4WDriving treks. Valley, this peak of the Wongungarra on a point in amid the wilderness to map. Perched gruelling country Blue Rag Range country peak of Range is the iconic high Rag and the Blue Rag Mount Blue Not for the faint-hearted, HISTORY TRACK TRACK TREK 4 BLUE RAG RANGE

TREK 4 TRACK NOTES

START 9.6 KM When you are ready return to the The General Store Ritchie Road Intersection clearing and turn right onto Dargo Head North on the Great Alpine Turn left onto Ritchie Road. Visit High Plains Track. Road heading towards Harrietville the Red Train Carriage picnic area and Bright. directly across from intersection. 17.5 KM There are numerous lookouts along (Picnic area) Great Alpine Road Intersection the way. Turn right to return to Mt Hotham. (Toilets inside the 24H Transit Lounge - Mt 6.7 KM OPTION – Turn left to Harrietville Hotham Resort Management Office) Whisky Bottle Flat Campsite (19 km) and Bright (45 km) Stay on Ritchie Road 9.7 KM 9.7 KM The General Store Mt Hotham Dargo High plains Road on Left 11.7 KM This is the end of this journey! Turn left onto Dargo High Plains Thirty Five Mile Creek Campsite Road. Stay on Ritchie Road

11.45 KM 9.7 KM Blue Rag Range Track on Right Dargo High Plains Intersection Turn right onto Blue Rag Range Turn left onto Dargo High Plains Track. Road. Little Woman’s Grave CAUTION – Engage you vehicle’s opposite intersection. low range 4WD capability. 250 M Gows Hotel Site (ruins) on Right 3.4 KM Park in a safe place and explore the Basalt Knob North Track on Left area. When you are ready continue Stay on Blue Rag Range Track. on the Dargo High Plains Road.

3.5 KM 10.1 KM Blue Rag Range Trig Marker King Spur Track on Right Park and enjoy the view. When Turn right onto King Spur Track, you’re ready return along Blue Rag keep left through clearing and Range Track. travel 200 m to Lankey Plain Hut. CAUTION – Steep slopes, take care When you are ready return to the when exploring. clearing and turn left onto King Spur Track. (Photo Opportunity) 2.5 km 3.5 KM Basalt Knob North Track on Clearing on Left (Devils Hollow) Right Park in a safe place and walk over Turn right onto Basalt Knob North flat ground to the edge of a cliff Track. with great views north towards Mt Hotham. CAUTION – Stay back from the 350 M cliff edge, as the ground can be Helipad unstable. Keep a close eye on any Stay on Basalt Knob North Track. children. (Photo Opportunity) (Photo opportunity)

30 / BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE BLUE RAG RANGE

HISTORICAL HISTORICAL HUT MINING SITE CAMPING TOWNSHIP GROUND RUINS MT FUEL GREAT FOR DEVILS HOLLOW

LEGEND PHOTOS DIAMANTINA HOTHAM HUT Perched on the edge of the basalt TO BRIGHT cap of the Dargo High Plains, the view over the Upper BLOWHARD HUT towards Mount Tabletop are 10km full of a hidden history. Echoing

SAINT BERNARD’S DARGO HIGH PLAIN RD HOSPICE HUT SITE up from the wilderness below are the stories of the mountain goldminers who worked these remote regions for many decades from the 1860s. Tales from Mount 12km Tabletop of lost ancient streams of gold trapped beneath the basalt plains, of murder of Chinese miner Ah Kee by his partner Carl Wilhelm at the township of Louisville. In Devils Hollow, the government established a quartz 4km crushing mill in 1900 to test a number of reefs which had been BLUE RAG TRACK 6km discovered in the locality. BLUE RAG TRIG POINT

KING SPUR TRACK DEVILS HOLLOW 10km

BASALT KNOB NORTH TRK RED TRAIN CARRIAGE PICNIC AREA 10km BASALT KNOB HUT RITCHIE ROAD

WHISKEY BOTTLE FLAT CAMPSITE THIRTY FIVE MILE CREEK CAMPSITE

28km

‘GOWS HOTEL SITE’ LITTLE WOMAN’S DARGO GRAVE TREK 4 Situated in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range on the Dargo River, Dargo TO DARGO developed from a pastoral run into a township with the discovery of gold in the (42KM) mountains during the early 1860s. Dargo was important in servicing the Crooked River, Dargo High Plains and Dargo River goldfields with produce, provisions and carters. With the demise of the goldfields Dargo would survive on agriculture, based on its fertile river flats, with walnuts and cattle being the main produce from which the town would survive.

BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE / 31 TREK 5 WHITE TIMBER SPUR, RED CARRIAGE,

TREK 5 BASALT KNOB, TALBOTVILLE, GRANT, DARGO

179km 7hrs MEDIUM 4WD DARGO Optional Extras Optional Extras (return) (return) In dry weather. Diesel, Unleaded + 34 km for Dargo + 50 and Premium Unleaded

ROAD CONDITIONS ROAD CONDITIONS Dargo High Plains Road Brewery Creek Track Unsealed road, typically well Narrow track with some steep maintained with overtaking/passing descents, sharp turns, water opportunities, containing rough drainage mounds and uneven sections of corrugations and/or terrain. potholes. Collingwood Spur Track Dargo High Plains Road Narrow track with steep ascents, Unsealed road, typically well water drainage mounds, uneven maintained with overtaking/passing terrain and sharp turns. opportunities, containing rough sections of corrugations and/or McMillan Road potholes. Formed dirt road with reasonable overtaking/passing opportunities, Ritchie Road containing sections of corrugations, Formed dirt road with minimal uneven terrain, wash outs and overtaking/passing opportunities, potholes. containing sections of corrugations, uneven terrain, sharp turns/ switchbacks, wash outs and potholes.

Basalt Knob Track Narrow track with minimal facility for overtaking/passing, containing ruts, water drainage mounds, uneven terrain, sharp turns, steep ascents and steep descents.

32 / BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE 33

TREK 5 / BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE

HISTORY TRACK TRACK ruins of these magnificent narrow valleys. ruins of these magnificent little evidence from a bygone railway era thrown in) this trek has a little something for everyone. Drive for everyone. Drive has a little something era thrown in) this trek from a bygone railway little evidence and ranges. Descend into the High Plains, traverse challenging ridge-lines the vastness of the Dargo through the place names and rivers where the mining past can be glimpsed Wongungarra and Crooked Behind every name is a great story and this trek explores some of the history and terrain of the remarkable of the remarkable of the history and terrain and this trek explores some name is a great story Behind every of logging, (with a era to more recent times from the gold mining place names stemming region. From White Timber Spur White Timber it has a few surprises. which it passes, plus the place names through is as diverse as many of A drive that TREK 5 WHITE TIMBER SPUR, RED CARRIAGE,

TREK 5 BASALT KNOB, TALBOTVILLE, GRANT, DARGO TRACK NOTES

START 6.4 KM 600 M The General Store Wongungarra Track on Right Grant Historical Area Head North on the Great Alpine Stay on Basalt Knob Track Information Road heading towards Harrietville Explore the area. When you are and Bright. 9.9 KM ready, return to McMillan Road via There are numerous lookouts along Brewery Creek Track on Right the left fork in Grant Track. the way. Turn right onto Brewery Creek (Toilets inside the 24H Transit Lounge - Mt Track. 350 M Hotham Resort Management Office) McMillan Road Intersection 16.5 KM Turn left onto McMillan Road. 9.7 KM Crooked River Crossing Dargo High Plains Road on Left Cross Crooked River and keep left. 1.3 KM Turn left onto Dargo High Plains CAUTION – ALWAYS check water Grant Cemetery on Left Road. crossing for depth, flow and Park where safe and explore the obstacles before proceeding. If historic cemetery. When you are 17.5 KM your are unsure, then turn around. ready, continue on McMillan Road. King Spur Track on Left Stay on Dargo High Plains Road. 250 M 3.9 KM OPTION – Turn left onto King Spur Talbotville Camping Area Dargo High Plains Road Track, keep left through clearing Explore the area. When you are Intersection and travel 200 m to Lankey Plain ready return to Crooked River Turn left onto Dargo High Plains Hut. crossing (returning the way you Road. arrived) and turn left onto Crooked OPTION – Turn right to Dargo (16.7 10.4 KM River Track. km). Ritchie Road on Right (Fuel, food, shop and toilets) Little Woman’s Grave on left 2.8 KM opposite road junction. Racecourse Track Junction 53.0 KM Turn right onto Ritchie Road. Keep left on Crooked River Track Great Alpine Road Intersection (Photo Opportunity) Turn right to return to Mt Hotham. 100 M OPTION – Turn left to Harrietville 9.7 KM Collingwood Spur Track on Left Thirty Five Mile Creek Campsite (19 km) and Bright (45 km) Turn left onto Collingwood Spur Stay on Ritchie Road Track. 9.7 KM The General Store Mt Hotham 11.7 KM 6.4 KM This is the end of this journey! Whisky Bottle Flat Campsite McMillan Road Intersection Stay on Ritchie Road Turn right onto McMillan Road.

6.7 KM 1.6 KM Basalt Knob North Track Grant Track on Left Intersection Turn left onto Grant Track. Turn left onto Basalt Knob Road. Visit the Red Train Carriage on left at intersection. (Photo opportunity)

34 / BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE WHITE TIMBER SPUR, GRANT, DARGO

Mt Hotham LEGEND HISTORICAL HISTORICAL (1861m) HUT MINING SITE

DIAMANTINA MT HOTHAM CAMPING TOWNSHIP TO BRIGHT HUT GROUND RUINS

10km THE GREAT ALPINE RD FUEL GREAT FOR

DARGO HIGH PLAIN RD PHOTOS SAINT BERNARD’S BLOWHARD HOSPICE HUT SITE HUT TALBOTVILLETALBOTVILLE A mountainA mountain gold town gold which town which Dargo High flourishedflourished during during Victoria’s Victoria’s golden golden Plains era, Talbotvilleera, Talbotville was one was of onethe oflonger the longer lastinglasting of the ofremote the remote mountain mountain towns towns of the ofregion. the region. Located Located on a open on a open grassygrassy flat on flat a bend on a in bend the Crookedin the Crooked BASALT KNOB River, River,the 1860s the 1860spresented presented a scene a scene HUT of weatherboardof weatherboard stores stores and dwellings and dwellings 53km with thewith township the township servicing servicing the local the local minersminers and rural and families. rural families. Businesses Businesses Ritchie Rd 32km includedincluded a butcher, a butcher, baker, baker, chemist, chemist, restaurantrestaurant and a hotel,and a hotel,with a withPost a Post 7km Office Officeoperating operating intermittently intermittently into into ‘GOWS HOTEL SITE’ LITTLE WOMAN’S the latethe 1940s. late 1940s. Today Todaya sense a senseof this of this GRAVE historyhistory can be can found be foundin the rubblein the rubble Basalt Knob Nth Trk SAM JAMIESON DARGO HIGH PLAIN RD SPUR TRACK ruins oldruins chimneys, old chimneys, mine workings mine workings 7km and theand old the cemetery. old cemetery.

NOONANS TRACK BREWERY CREEK RD DARGO Situated in the foothills of the 16km Great Dividing Range on the Dargo TALBOTVILLE TREASURES- DOWNEY RD River, Dargo developed from MT EWEN HUT a pastoral run into a township with the discovery of gold in the GRANT mountains during the early 1860s. Dargo was important in servicing GRANT the Crooked River, Dargo High Plains and Dargo River goldfields Within a few months the township of Grant emerged with produce, provisions and as the principal mining centre for the region. carters. With the demise of the Situated on a broad open hilltop overlooking the goldfields Dargo would survive Crooked River goldfield. Stores, hotels, a police on agriculture based on its fertile station, churches, banks, dwellings and even a

river flats, with walnuts and cattle TREK 5 local newspaper flanked two broad main streets. being the main produce from With over speculation and poor returns from the which the town would survive. majority the new found mines, the population of Grant plummeted from over 1000 in the early 1860s DARGO to barely 100 by the close of the decade. By the early 1900s the town was deserted, with once grand buildings and stores laying in decay.

BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE / 35 TREK 6 CROOKED RIVER RUN

TREK 6 GRANT, STONEWALL, HOGTOWN, TALBOTVILLE, CROOKED RIVER, BLACK SNAKE CREEK HUT, DARGO

DIFFICULT 4WD DARGO with low range 206km 6.3hrs In dry weather. and good ground Diesel, Unleaded clearance and Premium Unleaded

ROAD CONDITIONS

ROAD CONDITIONS Dargo High Plains Road Unsealed Wonnangatta Road (Crooked road, typically well maintained with River Track) Formed dirt road with overtaking/passing opportunities, reasonable overtaking/passing containing rough sections of opportunities, containing sections of corrugations and/or potholes. corrugations, uneven ground, wash outs and/or potholes. McMillan Road Formed dirt road with reasonable overtaking/passing Short Cut Road Unsealed road, opportunities, containing sections of typically well maintained with corrugations, uneven terrain, wash overtaking/passing opportunities, outs and potholes. containing sections of corrugations and/or potholes. Bulltown Spur Track Narrow track with no facility for overtaking/ passing, containing ruts, water drainage mounds, uneven terrain, switchbacks, steep ascents and steep descents. CAUTION – THIS TREK CONTAINS MULTIPLE Crooked River Track Narrow track RIVER CROSSINGS AND STEEP DESCENTS, with no facility for overtaking/ DRIVERS MUST CHECK TRACK CONDITIONS passing, containing ruts, water BEFORE STARTING. drainage mounds, uneven terrain, multiple water crossings of varying depths, switchbacks, steep ascents and steep descents.

36 / BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE TRACK HISTORY Crooked River Run Gold was the cry in 1860, when the precious metal was discovered in this remote corner of the colony by explorer William Howitt. Townships and mining camps sprang up overnight amidst the wilderness as thousands searched the rugged terrain in search of their fortune. Nearly quickly as they arrived they departed, most financially poorer for the experience. Get a glimpse into a way of life now long gone, through the crumbling ruins of goldfields towns perched on hillsides and river bends. Take timeout to visit the machinery remains of the stamp batteries that released gold from its host quartz. Marvel at the feat of getting the machinery into the once remote New Good Hope mine site, or take the easier stroll to the Exhibition battery at Dargo. TREK 6

BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE / 37 TREK 6 CROOKED RIVER RUN

TREK 6 TRACK NOTES

START 3.9 KM 11.4 KM The General Store Grant Cemetery on Right Wonnangatta Road Intersection Head North on the Great Alpine Park where safe and explore the Kingswell Bridge on right, turn Road heading towards Harrietville historic cemetery. When you are onto Wonnangatta Road heading and Bright. ready, continue on McMillan Road. towards Dargo. There are numerous lookouts along (Photo opportunity) the way. 1.3 KM (Toilets inside the 24H Transit Lounge - Mt Grant Track on Right 7.9 KM Hotham Resort Management Office) Turn right onto Grant Track. Black Snake Creek Camping Area Stay on Wonnangatta Road. 9.7 km 600 M (Picnic area with fire pit and toilets) Dargo High Plains Road on Left Grant Historical Area Turn left onto Dargo High Plains Information 11.5 KM Road. Explore the area. When you are Shortcut Road on Left ready, return to McMillan Road and Turn left onto Shortcut Road. 17.6 KM turn right. King Spur Track on Left 2.1 KM Turn left onto King Spur Track, 4.5 KM Dargo Road Intersection keep left through clearing and Bulltown Spur Track on Right CAUTION – Ensure your vehicle travel 200 m to Lankey Plain Hut. Turn right onto Bulltown Spur has its highway mode of operation When you are ready return to Dargo Track. selected. High Plains Road. Turn left onto Dargo Road. 3.0 KM 10.1 KM Crooked River Crossing 300 M Gows Hotel Site (ruins) on Left Follow Crooked River Track. Exhibition Battery on Left Parking on the left, explore the CAUTION – ALWAYS check water Turn left to explore this historical area. crossings for depth, flow and display. obstacles before proceeding. If you 250 M are unsure, then turn around. 5.7 KM Little Woman’s Grave on Left Dargo Township 8.5 KM Explore the area. When you are Parking on left, explore the area. Talbotville Camping Area Ritchie Road on right, stay on Dargo ready follow Dargo High Plains High Plains Road. Explore the area. Road and travel towards Mt (Picnic area with tables, fire pits and toilets) Hotham. 11.1 KM When you are ready continue to the (Fuel, food, shop and toilets) Twelve Mile Creek Campsite on other end of the camping area and Left cross the Crooked River. 70 KM Great Alpine Road Intersection Picnic area on left. Turn left after crossing the river (Picnic area with table and fire pit) onto the Crooked River Track. Turn right to return to Mt Hotham. OPTION – Turn left to Harrietville 5.7 KM 2.8 KM (19 km) and Bright (45 km) Clark Camp Road on Left Racecourse Track Junction Keep left on Crooked River Track. 9.7 KM Treasures Mt Ewen Hut down on The General Store Mt Hotham right, cattle holding yards on left. 100 M This is the end of this journey! 8.5 KM Collingwood Spur Track on Left McMillan Road on Right Stay on Crooked River Track. Turn right onto McMillan Road.

38 / BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE CROOKED RIVER RUN LEGEND HISTORICAL HISTORICAL HUT MINING SITE DIAMANTINA MT HOTHAM TO BRIGHT HUT CAMPING TOWNSHIP THE GREAT ALPINE RD GROUND RUINS

DARGO HIGH PLAIN RD SAINT BERNARD’S FUEL GREAT FOR HOSPICE HUT SITE BLOWHARD PHOTOS HUT

MAYFORD TALBOTVILLE DEVILS HOLLOW A mountain gold town which LANKEY PLAIN KING SPUR TRACK flourished during Victoria’s HUT MAYFORD golden era, Talbotville was one of the longer lasting of the remote Mayford once promised to be a mountain towns of the region. DARGO HIGH PLAIN RD booming mining township on the Located on a open grassy flat Upper Dargo Goldfield. In 1866 on a bend in the Crooked River, the government had suburban lots the 1860s presented a scene of and streets laid out and surveyed weatherboard stores and dwellings anticipating a growing township, with the township servicing the however only one site was occupied local miners and rural families. by a store run by the King family.

Businesses included a butcher, ‘GOWS HOTEL SITE’ Gold was first discovered WHITE TIMBER LITTLE WOMAN’S baker, chemist, restaurant and a TRACK GRAVE downstream from Mayford in the hotel, with a Post Office operating SAM JAMIESON early 1860s, and a rush occurred intermittently into the late 1940s. SPUR TRACK to the upper tributaries when rich Today a sense of this history can gold was apparently discovered be found in the rubble ruins old NOONANS by Jimmy Bloomfeild in 1863. TRACK chimneys, mine workings and the Bloomfield later became lost old cemetery. during a snow storm in returning to the location. Mayford was located along a TREASURES- mining track linking Omeo to the MT EWEN HUT Dargo High Plains and Grant, originally blazed by Angus McMillan DOWNEY RD in 1861. GRANT Within a few months the township of Grant emerged as the principal mining centre for the region. GRANT JUNCTION Situated on a broad open hilltop overlooking the Crooked River goldfield. Stores, hotels, a police

station, churches, banks, dwellings and even a TREK 6 local newspaper flanked two broad main streets. With over speculation and poor returns from the majority the new found mines, the population of Grant plummeted from over 1000 in the early 1860s to barely 100 by the close of the decade. By the early 1900s the town was deserted, with once grand DARGO buildings and stores laying in decay.

BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE / 39 TREK 7 MT MURRAY TREK 7

OMEO Diesel, LPG, MEDIUM 4WD Unleaded and 53km 2.5hrs Premium Unleaded In dry weather. BRIGHT Diesel, LPG, Unleaded and Premium Unleaded

ROAD CONDITIONS TRACK NOTES

START 300 M ROAD CONDITIONS The General Store Mt Murray Trig Twins Jeep Track Head North on the Great Alpine Road This is a short walk on a formed track Narrow track with no facility for heading towards Harrietville and to the summit of Mt Murray with 360 overtaking/passing, containing Bright. degree views. ruts, water drainage mounds, There are numerous lookouts along (Photo opportunity) uneven terrain, sharp bends, the way. ascents and descents. (Toilets inside the 24H Transit Lounge - Mt 2.2 KM Hotham Resort Management Office) Twins Jeep Track on Right Mt Murray Track Turn right onto Twins Jeep Track. Formed dirt road with 9.8 KM reasonable overtaking/passing Twins Jeep track on Left 14.5 KM opportunities, containing sections Great Alpine Road Intersection of corrugations, uneven ground, This entrance to Twins Jeep Track is from the Great Alpine Road 2 metres Turn right to return to Mt Hotham. steep ascents and descents, wash OPTION – Turn left to Harrietville (19 outs and/or potholes. on the Bright side of the Dargo High Plains Road. km) and Bright (45 km) Turn left onto Twins Jeep Track. 9.8 KM The General Store Mt Hotham 14.5 KM Mt Murray Track Intersection This is the end of this journey! Turn left onto Mt Murray Track

2.2 KM Mt Murray Campsite Park you vehicle and enjoy the view.

40 / BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE 41

TREK 7 /

THE GREAT ALPINE RD BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE MT HOTHAM BLOWHARD HUT HUT

DIAMANTINA TWIN JEEP TRACK JEEP TWIN TO BRIGHT SAINT BERNARD’S SAINT BERNARD’S HOSPICE HUT SITE GREAT FOR GREAT FOR PHOTOS MT MURRAY MT MURRAY Amongst the more modest peaks of the Great Dividing Range at an elevation of 1640 metres Range at an elevation of 1640 metres Amongst the more modest peaks of the Great Dividing To the north, looking inland towards the Mount Murray takes in some spectacular views. the scene of a great gold rush of over , the views take in the Buckland River, Buckland riot which saw the expulsion of 6000 diggers in 1853 and place of the infamous European population on the 4th July 1857. 2000 Chinese miners by a small number of the views take in the ravine of the To the south and overlooking Gippsland the breathtaking only penetrated by the bravest of diggers Wongungarra wilderness, a rugged and wild place from the 1860s.

HISTORICAL HISTORICAL HUT FUEL

HISTORY TRACK TRACK saw 2000 Chinese expelled from the valley in 1857. This route also follows the path of the keen bushwalker, the path of the keen bushwalker, from the valley in 1857. This route also follows saw 2000 Chinese expelled to Tharwa near Canberra. Walking Track from Walhalla taking in part of the 655km Wonnangatta valleys, first explored by the hardiest of gold prospectors. Then cast your eyes inland over your eyes inland over prospectors. Then cast by the hardiest of gold valleys, first explored Wonnangatta race riots which gold diggers and the infamous of a rush of over 6000 valley, once the scene the Buckland Mt Murray Victoria, this Gippsland Coast and inland Range between the spine of the Great Dividing Following the of Wongungarra and into the wildernesses best. Glimpse coast side alpine driving at its trek is big picture LEGEND FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT HOTHAM DIGITAL TOUR GUIDE EXPLORE.MTHOTHAM.COM.AU

explore.mthotham.com.au is a mobile website compatible with both apple and android devices. The site gives you access to information about Hotham and the surrounding areas including activities and things to do. For more information and updates about the Beyond Hotham Self Guided Treks or event, visit explore.mthotham.com.au.

DIGITAL TOUR GUIDE TOUR DIGITAL You will have access to more 4WD maps, photos of the treks and surrounding region, history and much more to make your adventures more fulfilling and enriching.

SO MUCH MORE TO EXPLORE explore.mthotham.com.au Expand your mind and your journey with this exciting new website you can take with you on your adventure. Learn more, see more, experience more and explore more.

MAPS GREAT ALPINE ROAD All of the maps featured in this HISTORY DRIVE guide will be available on your Travelling the Great Alpine Road smart phone. There are plenty spectacular views greet you of other maps to download also everywhere you look, views of including Mt Hotham Village Maps the looming Mt Feathertop and and Bushwalking Maps and guides. distances and mountain ranges as far as the eye can see. ACCESS educational history videos about the Great Alpine Road as you are travelling to and from the village. Signage located in sections along the road tell a piece of the story associated with that area. Each signage point along the GAR has significance and a story to be told of gold rush and pioneering. Continue learning about the history of each area with educational videos produced and narrated by our Cultural History and Tracks & Trails Manager Andrew Swift as he tells the tales he is so passionate about. Explore more at explore.mthotham.com.au

42 / BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE REMOTE WI-FI AND RECEPTION As we all know mobile reception and Wi-Fi in remote areas is a little hard to come by sometimes. With explore.mthotham.com.au you can pre-empt your trip and download everything you need before you start your adventure. Download PDF maps, photos and videos from the site to view later when your have no reception. DIGITAL TOUR GUIDE

BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE / 43 THE GENERAL STORE THE GENERAL

ALL ROADS LEAD TO... THE GENERAL STORE HOTHAM

EVERY TREK Each trip featured in this booklet starts and finishes at The General Store, Mount Hotham. The General is a great place to start, the local watering hole is the perfect rest spot, serving up delicious pub meals, coffee and the best views. Enjoy a local wine on the back deck where you can take in a magical sunset. Open 7 days a week in summer for fresh food, cold drinks and breakfast on holidays and by booking request.

THE GENERAL STORE PHONE 03 5759 3523 EMAIL [email protected] [email protected]

44 / BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE THE GENERAL STORE MT HOTHAM

UNIQUE, ENTERTAINING, ALIVE

The General is your complete dining, entertainment, accommodation and shopping location when visiting Mt Hotham, conveniently located near the Big D. All year round, The General is Mt ACCOMMODATION Hotham’s premier conference Mountain Dreaming Apartments and meeting venue, offering full Open year round, these six star function, conference and wedding energy rated apartments are fully facilities from meetings for six self-contained and boast one through to weddings catering for of alpine Australia’s best views. up to one hundred and fifty people. Featuring stylish designer interiors Activities can be co-ordinated for and modern furnishings, an your function. apartment at Mountain Dreaming Mount Hotham Resort Management becomes your own private haven hold guided bushwalks on long on top of the world. Apartments weekends and holidays during the are 2 bedrooms and sleep 5 or stay green season and each walking in on of the luxurious new studio group meet at The General before apartments. the bushwalk and end back at The General after the walk for drink and Mountain Dreaming can be found something to eat. A great meeting nestled in behind well known bar/ location for everyone, whether you restaurant ‘The General’. You are enjoy a nice dinner and watch the central to all that Mt Hotham has sunset from the deck, a drink with to offer and if you stay at Mountain friends after a day touring, passing Dreaming you have access to The through the village and stopping for General’s bar/restaurant and a lunch break or a relaxing space to conference facilities including free chill during the day. Wi-Fi. FOOD Perfect for couples, families

The General offers a menu that and groups, Mountain Dreaming THE suits the whole family at affordable apartments are unique and prices! individual, comfortable and

inviting; we invite you to come GEN Checkout their summer menu and experience some Mountain online at www.thegeneral.com.au Dreaming and General difference. ERAL STORE

Mountain Dreaming Apartments, The General Store

BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE / 45 ACCOMMODATION HOTHAM

HOTHAM & DINNER PLAIN SUMMER ACCOMMODATION ENJOY A COOL SUMMER HOLIDAY IN ACCOMMODATION WHICH SUITS THE STYLE OF BREAK YOU ARE AFTER

From lodges to fully self-contained mountain chalets, Hotham offers a large range of accommodation options to choose from.

46 / BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE WHERE TO STAY AT HOTHAM HOTHAM & DINNER PLAIN ACCOMMODATION SERVICES

APARTMENTS, UNITS AND LODGE STYLE ACCOMMODATION AVALIABLE, CONTACT THE PROFESSIONALS LISTED BELOW

MOUNT HOTHAM ACCOMMODATION BOOKING SERVICES ALTITUDE ACCOMMODATION (03) 5759 3333 [email protected] www.altitudeaccom.com.au

HOTHAM HOLIDAYS 1800 HOTHAM (1800 468 426) [email protected] www.hothamholidays.com.au

MT HOTHAM ACCOMMODATION (03) 5759 3522 [email protected] www.mthothamaccommodation.com.au

MOUNTAIN DREAMING APARTMENTS (03) 5759 3523 [email protected] www.thegeneral.com.au HOTHAM ACCOMMODATION CONTACT INDIVIDUAL LODGES OR CLUBS VISIT WWW.MTHOTHAM.COM.AU

DINNER PLAIN ACCOMMODATION BOOKING SERVICES ACCOMMODATION AT DINNER PLAIN (03) 5159 6556 [email protected] wwwdiscoverdinnerplain.com

ACCOMMODATION SERVICES OF DINNER PLAIN 1800 444 066 www.accommdinnerplain.com.au

DINNER PLAIN CENTRAL RESERVATIONS 1800 670 019 [email protected] www.dinnerplain.com

RUNDELLS ALPINE LODGE (03) 5159 6422 [email protected] www.rundells.com.au

BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE / 47 ENQUIRE ABOUT THE FREE GUIDED BUSHWALKING PROGRAM PHONE 03 5759 3550 EMAIL [email protected] WEBSITE MTHOTHAM.COM.AU SUMMER BUSHWALKING SUMMER HOTHAM

DISCOVER HOTHAM’S FORGOTTEN HISTORY THE REGION’S WALKING TRACKS OFFER BUSHWALKERS A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIENCE SOME OF THE HIGH COUNTRY’S RARELY SEEN SIGNIFICANT AND HISTORIC LANDSCAPES.

Interpretive signs highlighting some of the remarkable history have been installed along some of the tracks. Our trails take you through a range of natural landscapes, from shady and sparsely open woodlands to gullies and impressive waterfalls. In late January and early February the Alps are flourishing with a range of spectacular wild-flowers. Quieter walkers may also spot local inhabitants such as a grazing wombat or a foraging Flame Robin.

VISIT EXPLORE.MTHOTHAM.COM.AU FOR MORE INFORMATION AND HOTHAM’S BUSHWALKING GUIDE AND TRACK & TRAIL MAPS

48 / BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE THINGS TO DO AT HOTHAM MOUNT HOTHAM SUMMER BUSHWALKING SUMMER IS A GREAT TIME TO EXPLORE HOTHAM AND SURROUNDING ALPINE REGIONS.

A variety of tracks and trails access some BRABRALUNG TRAIL (HOTHAM - DINNER of Australia’s best views, unique flora and PLAIN TRAIL) fauna and some of the region’s richest Walk or ride the Brabralung Trail linking the history. Suited to all fitness levels, age alpine villages of Mount Hotham and Dinner groups and interests, Hotham and Dinner Plain. Launched with a traditional smoke Plain have something for everyone to ceremony in March 2015. The trail Highlights discover. the importance of the ongoing Aboriginal heritage of the region, Brabralung, is the COBUNGRA DITCH name of the Gunaikurnai clan for this region The Cobungra Ditch Walking Track follows of Gippsland. Translates as ‘Male, Berry the course of an abandoned water race, a Worcat (female)’ meaning ‘the people’. ruin from the gold mining era of the district. The ancient mountain route is interpreted Literally carved through the steep mountain along its length providing an insight into the ranges and retained for much of its length Aboriginal first peoples of the Alps. As well by an impressive dry-stone wall, this as cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing engineering wonder once conveyed a stream during the winter, this 12km trail is ideal for of water 10.5km to the hydraulic sluicing cycling, walking and trail running during the operations of the Cobungra Gold Mining summer months.

Company. The water race commences from HOTHAM SUMMER BUSHWALKING Originally planned as a ski trail in the 1980s the head of Swindler’s, an upper tributary to follow the Great Dividing Range between of the , and terminates at Mount Hotham and Dinner Plain it was the Brandy Creek mine towards Dinner partially constructed as the ‘Great Divide Plain. Interpretive signs along the track Trail’. In 1991 the trail was extended from brings to life the history that surrounds this Whiskey Flat to Dinner Plain and given magnificent structure and track. the name ‘Hotham Dinner Plain Trail’. The THE HUTS WALK Brabralung Trail is a sheltered, scenic, Huts have played an important role in the undulating trail with some steeper sections. European history of the Hotham region. From Magnificent views can be had on a clear day the earliest crude buildings of the miners and at all times the splendour of the winter and cattle grazers, wayside shelters for early environment is close at hand. Look out travellers and tourists and important refuges for the native fauna and flora such as the for the pioneer skiers. The Huts Walk takes in resident emus at JB Plain. This trail will take three high country huts, each represent and you through the woodland to open scenic important place in the history of Australia’s plains that give the High Country its unique Alpine region. The State Heritage Registered views. There are numerous areas to rest and Spargo’s Hut was built in the late 1920’s for picnic along the way. A location not to miss Bill Spargo’s gold mining activities; the Silver is the old cattlemen’s post JB Hut. Stop for Brumby Hut was build as a film production lunch or camp overnight with impressive set based on Elyne Mitchell’s novel The Silver views of the surrounding valleys on show. Brumby; and Derrick Hut was built as a day shelter for ski tourers by Wangaratta Ski Club in memory of Charlie Derrick.

BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE / 49 VISIT MTHOTHAM.COM.AU FOR MORE INFORMATION AND DINNER PLAIN’S BUSHWALKING GUIDE AND TRACK & TRAIL MAPS ACCOMMODATION DINNER PLAIN DINNER

DINNER PLAIN SUMMER ACCOMMODATION RELAX, INDULGE AND EXPLORE THE UNIQUE ALPINE VILLAGE OF DINNER PLAIN Indulge yourself and spend a weekend, a few days or a week away in a fully self-contained apartment or chalet with everything at your fingertips. Just 10 kilometres down the Great Alpine Road from Mt Hotham, the village offers a range of accommodation for singles, couples, families and groups all year round. From one bedroom and luxurious self contained apartments to chalets sleeping up to 12 people with all the modern conveniences and on-site parking, many properties also have open fireplaces, hot tubs and outdoor BBQ facilities.

DINNER PLAIN VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE PHONE 1300 734 365 EMAIL [email protected] WEBSITE VISITDINNERPLAIN.COM.AU

50 / BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE THINGS TO DO-HOTHAM & DINNER PLAIN HOTHAM & DINNER PLAIN SUMMER ACTIVITIES WITH PLENTY OF OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES TO ENTERTAIN THE ENTIRE FAMILY HOTHAM AND DINNER PLAIN IS THE PERFECT HOLIDAY

HORSE RIDING FISHING For a truly unique alpine experience, Hotham and Dinner Plain are in close try a horseback riding adventure in proximity to some of Victoria’s best Victoria’s high country. trout fishing streams and rivers. Call Contact Packers Horse Treks into the Mt Hotham Resort Managment www.horsetreks.com Office for maps to the local rivers and further information on guided fly- Dinner Plain Trail Rides take you off the beaten track, exploring the vast fishing expeditions. hills and valleys on cattle and stockman trails. SELF GUIDED WALKS They offer rides to cater for The Take your choice of easy family walks, Beginner through to The Experienced or more challenging bush trails; with rider, led by our qualified trail guide over 35km of trail at Hotham and and instructor. Tuition can be provided 15kms of walks around the Dinner Plain so you get the most out of your horse village, and not to mention the cross- riding adventure. country trails including the Hotham to Contact Dinner Plain Trail Rides Dinner Plain Brabralung Trail. www.highcountryhorserides.com.au Visit Mt Hotham Resort Management DINNER PLAIN ACCOMMODATION or Dinner Plain Information Centre

MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDING for Walking Trail Maps. Hotham and Dinner Plain offer well- defined tracks for an exhilarating TENNIS mountain biking experience. With Dinner Plain’s Snowgum Tennis Courts a variety of terrain, the degree of - 2 asphalt tennis courts are available difficulty is up to the individual. for hire - balls and racquets also available if required. CYCLING For cyclists, mountains are mythical WHITE WATER RAFTING places that challenge and inspire, they Seasonal white water rafting tours are tell you a lot about who you are and available through “Rafting Australia’ what you are willing to do to succeed. on the Mighty from They test your limits and when June to December. conquered set new boundaries. Those Contact Packers Rafting Australia that conquer mountains are revered, www.raftingaustralia.com celebrated forever. Their reputations are forged through hard work and dedication and through their sheer will to overcome the physical and mental challenge.

BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE / 51 USEFUL CONTACTS

POLICE PARKS VICTORIA BUREAU OF METEROLOGY P: 000 P: 13 19 63 (8am-6pm weekdays www.bom.gov.au Bright Police P: 03 5755 1444 and 9am-6pm weekends) Omeo Police P: 03 5159 1222 www.parkweb.vic.gov.au MOUNT HOTHAM RESORT www.police.vic.gov.au MANAGEMENT ALPINE SHIRE P: 03 5759 3550 (Monday - AMBULANCE P: 03 5755 0555 Friday 8am - 4:30pm) USEFUL CONTACTS USEFUL P: 000 www.alpineshire.vic.gov.au [email protected] www.ambulance.vic.gov.au www.mthotham.com.au DEPARTMENT OF FIRE ENVIRONMENT, LAND, WATER VICROADS P: 000 AND PLANNING Traffic Management Centre/Road Bushfire Information Hotline P: 13 61 86 Conditions and Seasonal Road P: 1800 240 667 www.depi.vic.gov.au Closures P: 03 9854 2666 www.vicroads.vic.gov.au www.cfa.vic.gov.au FISHERIES: DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES - SES FISHERIES & AQUACULTURE ALPINE VISITOR INFORMATION P: 13 25 00 CENTRE - BRIGHT P: 13 61 86 03 5755 0584 www.ses.vic.gov.au P: www.depi.vic.gov.au www.alpineshire.vic.gov.au BRIGHT HOSPITAL COUNTRY FIRE AUTHORITY 03 5755 0100 OMEO REGION VISITOR P: Headquarters - INFORMATION CENTRE www.alpinehealth.org.au Burwood P: 03 9262 8444 P: 03 5159 1455 Bushfire Information Hotline www.omeoregion.com.au OMEO HOSPITAL P: 1800 240 667 03 5159 0100 P: www.cfa.vic.gov.au DINNER PLAIN VISITOR www.odh.net.au INFORMATION CENTRE THE GENERAL STORE P: 1300 734 365 RACV BRIGHT MT HOTHAM www.visitdinnerplain.com Roadside Assistance P: 13 11 11 P: 03 5759 3523 Membership P: 13 72 28 www.thegeneral.com.au www.racv.com.au FOR GUIDED TAG-ALONG 4WD TOURS CONTACT MOUNT HOTHAM RESORT MANAGEMENT P: 03 5759 3550 E: [email protected] W:WWW.MTHOTHAM.COM.AU

The information presented in this book is always subject to change. Roads change, rules and policies are amended and new facilities and services become available while existing facilities may become unavailable. Quoted schedules and contact details were correct at the of publication, but you should always check with operators to avoid disappointed. This book is only a guide and should not be taken as gospel. Keep an open mind and talk to others as you explore this beautiful alpine area.

52 / BEYOND HOTHAM 4WD EXPERIENCE